NIU Department of Mathematical Sciences

Advising in the Department of Mathematical Sciences

All students are encouraged to speak with university advisors on a regular basis. Your primary advisors should be those in the department of your major or minor.

For students taking mathematics courses only: Please consult with the advisors in your department about which courses are best suited for your degree requirements and career goals. They know better than the math department what the needs are in your discipline.

However, the math department can advise all students about minimal graduation requirements in mathematics; placement into mathematics courses; prerequisites for mathematics courses; transfer credit; proficiency exams; scheduling difficulties, and related matters. Please call the Department Office (1-815-753-0566) with questions.

For help with the courses in which you are enrolled, please consult the instructor of the course. The advisors listed below are not available to help you with homework or tutoring. If you need further assistance with your current mathematics coursework, please consult a list of available resources.

For students seeking or considering a major, minor, or professional certification in the mathematical sciences: Please consult the appropriate advisor listed below. Your advisor can help you

Plan coursework for one or multiple semesters
Overcome administrative or other hurdles
Review progress towards a degree; will you graduate, and when?
Offer career advice --- Which degree? What follows graduation?
Provide contacts within the university, among graduate schools, and in the job market

The responsibility of making the most of a college career is the student's, but we are eager to offer help to those who need it. All faculty members should be able to offer suggestions and ideas, but some are designated to be aware of current procedures and opportunities.

Degree requirements are specified in the Undergraduate Catalogue. You may find that many of your other questions are answered in the Department's web pages. If not, please contact the appropriate advisor:

If you are or are considering becoming a graduate student in the mathematical sciences, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Prof Bernie Harris: harris@math.niu.edu.
If you are seeking certification to teach mathematics, contact the Coordinator for Teacher Certification, Ms Cindy Stecher: stecher@math.niu.edu
If you are or are considering becoming an undergraduate math minor, contact Prof. Karabi Datta, dattak@math.niu.edu
Majors and minors in Probability and Statistics, and those seeking certification in Actuarial Science, should contact Prof. Alan Polansky, polansky@math.niu.edu
Undergraduate majors whose emphasis is in Mathematics Education will be assigned advisors from among the faculty. The list of assignments is available from the Department office 753-0566.
Undergraduate majors in all other emphases and those who are unsure of which emphasis is best should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Zhuan (John) Ye ugradprog@math.niu.edu

Department advisors are NOT intended to be a resource to help students with work in particular courses. Students should make contact with their individual instructors during office hours or at other mutually convenient times.

Director of Undergraduate Studies: Dr. Zhuan (John) Ye
E-mail: ugradprog@math.niu.edu

Back to the NIU Math Department Web page

Last modified: 2002/01/26 (djr)